Grain storage structure

ABSTRACT

A grain storage structure including a circular upstanding support wall with an upstanding support tower being centrally positioned within the support wall. A plurality of curved and spaced-apart first roof trusses have their lower ends secured to the upper end of the support wall and have their upper ends secured to the upper end of the support tower. A plurality of curved and spaced-apart second roof trusses having their lower ends secured to the upper end of the support wall between adjacent first roof trusses. The upper ends of the second roof trusses are connected to the first roof trusses below the upper ends thereof. A second embodiment of the storage structure is disclosed which has an oblong shape when viewed in a top view.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a grain storage structure and more particularly to a grain storage structure of the hoop style.

2. Description of the Related Art

In harvest time, the delivery of grain to grain elevators from the surrounding fields greatly exceeds the permanent storage capacity of the grain elevator or elevators. In years past, the grain farmers knew that the nearby elevator or elevators could not handle the amount of grain being delivered thereto and would then scrape off the stubble of a field and dump the grain onto the ground for later delivery to the elevator or elevators. Such a solution resulted in grain loss, the rotting of grain in the pile and vermin contamination. Further, if the pile of grain on ground was subjected to rain, the quality of the grain would diminish.

A second solution to the problem set forth above was to pour a slab of concrete or lay a slab of asphalt on the ground and place the excess grain on the slab. Such a solution was problematic since the amount of grain piled onto the slab was limited. A solution to that problem was to erect a circular retaining wall on the slab which increased the amount of grain which could be placed on the slab. The problem with that solution is that the pile of grain may be subjected to rain which could cause grain rotting and diminished quality of the grain. That problem was solved by erecting a covered roof-like structure over the pile of grain to prevent rainfall from falling on the pile of grain. However, the roof-like structures of the prior art could not be erected in a sufficient size to be able to store great amounts of grain thereunder. Further, some elevator companies would like to increase their grain storage capacity in an economical fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Two embodiments of grain storage structures of this invention are disclosed. Although the storage structure is designed to store grain, other commodities may also be stored therein. In the first embodiment, the grain storage structure includes an upstanding, circular support wall having upper and lower ends. A vertically disposed tower structure, having upper and lower ends, is centrally positioned within the circular support wall. The tower structure has a height much greater than the height of the circular support wall. The structure of the first embodiment includes a roof structure having upper and lower ends. The roof structure is comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart, curved first roof trusses having upper and lower ends. That roof structure is sometimes described as a hoop structure. The lower ends of the first roof trusses are secured to the upper end of the circular support wall in a spaced-apart manner. The first roof trusses extend upwardly and inwardly from the circular support wall. The upper ends of the first roof trusses are secured to the tower structure adjacent the upper end thereof.

A ring-shaped second truss is secured to the first roof trusses below the upper ends thereof so as to extend therearound. The roof structure also includes a plurality of spaced-apart, curved third roof trusses having upper and lower ends. The lower ends of the third roof trusses are secured to the upper end of the circular support wall. Each of the third roof trusses are positioned between adjacent first roof trusses. The third roof trusses extend upwardly and inwardly from the circular support wall in a curved fashion with the upper ends of the third roof trusses being secured to the second truss. The roof structure is covered with a material to prevent rainfall from falling onto the grain within the structure.

In the second embodiment of this invention, the grain storage structure has an oblong configuration when viewed from above. A first semi-circular, upstanding support wall, having first and second ends, is provided at the first end of the structure. A second semi-circular, upstanding support wall, having first and second ends, is provided at the second end of the structure so as to be spaced from the first semi-circular support wall. An upstanding first straight support wall extends between the first end of the first semi-circular support wall to the second end of the second semi-circular support wall. An upstanding second straight support wall extends between the second end of the first semi-circular support wall to the first end of the second semi-circular support wall.

A vertically disposed first support tower is centrally positioned between the first and second ends of the first semi-circular support wall. A vertically disposed second support tower is centrally positioned between the first and second ends of the second semi-circular support wall. An elongated truss or beam extends between the upper ends of the first support tower and the second support tower.

First roof trusses, identical to that disclosed in the first embodiment, extend between the upper end of the first semi-circular support wall and the first support tower in a spaced-apart manner. Second trusses, identical to that described in the first embodiment, extend between the upper end of the first semi-circular support wall and a semi-circular truss which is secured to the first roof trusses below the upper ends thereof.

First roof trusses, identical to that disclosed in the first embodiment, extend between the upper end of the second semi-circular support wall and the second support tower in a spaced-apart manner. Second trusses, identical to that described in the first embodiment, extend between the upper end of the second semi-circular support wall and a semi-circular truss which is secured to the first trusses thereof below the upper ends thereof.

A plurality of spaced-apart roof trusses, which are identical to the first roof trusses, extend from the upper end of the first straight support wall to the truss or beam which extends between the first support tower and the second support tower.

A plurality of spaced-apart roof trusses, which are identical to the first roof trusses, extend from the upper end of the second straight support wall to the truss or beam which extends between the first support tower and the second support tower.

A principal object of the invention is to provide an improved grain storage structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a grain storage structure having a unique roof structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a grain storage structure which is designed to hold up to 2.6 million bushels of grain.

A further object of the invention is to provide a grain structure of the hoop style having up to a 300 foot diameter.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the support wall of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the support wall of this invention which illustrates the manner in which the roof trusses are secured to the support wall;

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the support wall of this invention which illustrates the manner in which the roof trusses are secured to the support wall;

FIG. 5 is a partial end view of the manner in which the roof trusses extend between the support wall and the central support tower;

FIG. 6 is a partial end view which illustrates the first and second roof trusses and their connection to a ring-shaped truss and the central support tower;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial end sectional view of the second embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 9 is a partial end sectional view of the central portion of the second embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

The first embodiment of the grain storage structure of this invention is designated by the reference numeral 10. Structure 10 is of the hoop style and may have a diameter of up to 300 feet. Structure 10 is designed to hold up to 2.6 million bushels of grain. Structure 10 includes a circular concrete support wall 12 having an upper end 14 and a lower end 16. The lower end 16 of wall 12 will normally be embedded in the ground. Wall 12 includes radially spaced-apart ground engaging concrete pads 18 which are integrally formed with wall 12. A reinforcing web or member 20 is formed with each of the pads 18.

Wall 12 has a plurality of radially spaced-apart metal plates 22 which are positioned on the upper end of wall 12. At each plate 22 location, a plurality of anchor bolts 24, which are embedded in wall 12, extend upwardly through bolt openings formed in plate 22. Nuts 26 are threadably secured to the upper ends of anchor bolts 24 to hold plate 22 in position on the upper end of wall 12. A pair of vertically disposed and horizontally spaced-apart plate members 28 and 30 have their lower ends welded to plate 22 and extend upwardly therefrom. A pin or bolt 32 is configured to extend through the plate members 28 and 30 as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

A horizontally disposed concrete slab 34 extends between the inner sides of wall 12. Wall 12 is provided with a pair of spaced-apart closable doors 36 and 38 provided therein to permit a skid-steer loader or the like to pass therethrough into the interior of the structure 10.

The numeral 40 refers to an upstanding tower which is centrally positioned within wall 12 and has an upper end 42 and a lower end 44. The lower end of tower 40 is supported by a foundation or footing 46.

The numeral 48 refers to curved roof trusses having upper ends 50 and lower ends 52. The lower ends 52 of each of the roof trusses 48 are secured to the plates 28 and 30 by pins 32 in a radially spaced-apart manner. The upper ends 50 of the roof trusses 48 are secured to the tower 40 at the upper end thereof. A ring-shaped truss 54 is secured to the trusses 48 between the upper and lower ends of the trusses 48, as seen in FIG. 6.

The numeral 56 refers to curved roof trusses having upper ends 58 and lower ends 60. The roof trusses 56 are positioned between the roof trusses 43 and have their lower ends 60 secured to the upper end of the support wall 12 in the same manner as the roof trusses 48 are secured to support wall 12. The upper ends 58 of roof trusses 56 are secured to the truss 54 in a radially spaced-apart manner. As seen, the roof trusses 56 dwell in the same plane as the roof trusses 48. The roof trusses 48 and 56 form a roof structure 62 of the hoop-type. Roof structure 62 will be covered with a conventional cover or sheet of waterproof material such as plastic, cloth, etc. Grain or other commodities will be discharged from a conveyor or the like into the upper end 42 of tower 40 to fill the structure 10 in conventional fashion. When the structure 10 is filled, a cap or cover 64 will be installed on the upper end 42 of tower 40. When it is desired to remove the grain from the structure 10, discharge augers may be inserted through the doors 36 and 38 to remove the grain from the structure. However, the structure will normally have permanent discharge conveyors associated therewith to discharge the grain from the structure 10.

The numeral 66 refers to the second embodiment of a grain storage structure. As seen, the structure 66, when viewed in a top view, has an oblong configuration. Structure 66 includes a first semi-circular support wall 68. Structure 66 also includes straight support walls 70 and 72 which extend from the ends of support wall 68. Structure 66 further includes a second semi-circular support wall 74 which extends between the ends of walls 70 and 72, as seen in FIG. 7. The support walls 68, 70, 72 and 74 form a continuous support wall which is identical to support wall 12 of structure 10 except for the oblong configuration.

Structure 66 includes a vertically disposed support tower 76 which is centrally positioned between the ends of the semi-circular support wall 68, as seen in FIG. 7. Structure 66 also includes a vertically disposed support tower 78 which is centrally positioned between the ends of the semi-circular support wall 74, as seen in FIG. 7. An elongated support beam or truss 80 extends between the upper ends of support towers 76 and 78. If needed, one or more support towers could be provided for supporting beam or truss 80 between the ends thereof.

A plurality of curved roof trusses 82 have their lower ends secured to the upper end of support wall 68 and have their upper ends secured to support tower 76 at the upper end thereof. Roof trusses 82 are secured to support wall 68 in a radially spaced-apart manner in the same way as roof trusses 48 are secured to support wall 12 in the structure 10. A semi-circular truss 84 is secured to roof trusses 82 in a similar fashion as truss 54 is secured to roof trusses 48 in structure 10.

Curved roof trusses 86 have their lower ends secured to the upper end of support wall 68 between the roof trusses 82 and have their upper ends secured to truss 84. A plurality of curved roof trusses 88 have their lower ends secured to the upper end of support wall 74 and have their upper ends secured to support tower 78 at the upper end thereof. Roof trusses 88 are secured to support wall 74 in a radially spaced-apart manner in the same way as roof trusses 48 are secured to support wall 12 in the structure 10. A semi-circular truss 90 is secured to roof trusses 88 in a similar fashion as truss 54 is secured to roof trusses 48 in structure 10. Curved roof trusses 92 have their lower ends secured to the upper end of support wall 74 between the roof trusses 88 and have their upper ends secured to truss 90.

A plurality of spaced-apart curved roof trusses 94 have their lower ends secured to the upper end of support wall 70 and have their upper ends secured to beam or truss 80. The lower ends of roof trusses 94 are secured to support wall 70 as previously described.

A plurality of spaced-apart curved roof trusses 96 have their lower ends secured to the upper end of support wall 72 and have their upper ends secured to beam or truss 80. The lower ends of roof trusses 96 are secured to support wall 72 as previously described.

Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.

Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

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A grain storage structure, comprising: a first semi-circular support wall having a first end, a second end, a lower end and an upper end; a first straight support wall having a first end, a second end, a lower end and an upper end; said first end of said first straight support wall being connected to said first end of said first semi-circular support wall; a second semi-circular support wall having a first end, a second end, a lower end and an upper end; said second end of said first straight support wall being secured to said second end of said second semi-circular support wall; a second straight support wall has a first end, a second end, a lower end and an upper end; said first end of said second straight support wall being secured to said second end of said first semi-circular support wall; said second end of said second straight support wall being secured to said first end of said second semi-circular support wall; a first vertically disposed support tower, having upper and lower ends, centrally positioned between said first and second ends of said first semi-circular support wall; a second vertically disposed support tower, having upper and lower ends, centrally positioned between said first and second ends of said second semi-circular support wall; an elongated, horizontally disposed beam means secured to and extending between said upper ends of said first and second support towers; a plurality of spaced-apart curved first roof trusses having lower end upper ends; said lower ends of said first roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said first semi-circular support wall; said upper ends of said first roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said first support tower; said first roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said first semi-circular support wall; each of said first roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides with the spacing therebetween being constant for a majority of the lengths thereof; a plurality of spaced-apart curved second roof trusses having lower and upper ends; said lower ends of said second roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said first semi-circular support wall between adjacent first roof trusses; said upper ends of said second roof trusses being operatively interconnected to said first roof trusses below said upper ends of said first roof trusses; said second roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said second semi-circular support wall; each of said second roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides with the spacing therebetween being constant for a majority of the lengths thereof; a plurality of spaced-apart curved third roof trusses having lower and upper ends; said lower ends of said third roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said first straight support wall; said upper ends of said third roof trusses being secured to said beam means; said third roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said first straight support wall; each of said third roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides with the spacing therebetween being constant for a majority of the lengths thereof; a plurality of spaced-apart fourth curved roof trusses having lower and upper ends; said lower ends of said fourth roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said second semi-circular support wall; said upper ends of said fourth roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said second support tower; said fourth roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said second semi-circular support wall; each of said fourth roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides with the spacing therebetween being constant for a majority of the lengths thereof; a plurality of spaced-apart and curved fifth roof trusses having lower and upper ends; said lower ends of said fifth roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said second semi-circular support wall between adjacent fourth roof trusses; said upper ends of said fifth roof trusses being operatively interconnected to said fourth roof trusses below said upper ends of said fourth roof trusses; said fifth roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said second semi-circular support wall; each of said fifth roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides with the spacing therebetween being constant for a majority of the lengths thereof; a plurality of spaced-apart curved sixth roof trusses having lower and upper ends; said lower ends of said sixth roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said second straight support wall; said upper ends of said sixth roof trusses being secured to said beam means; said sixth roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc mariner from their entire lengths from said second straight support wall; each of said sixth roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides with the spacing therebetween being constant for a majority of the lengths thereof.
 5. A grain storage structure, comprising: an upstanding, circular support wall having upper and lower ends; a vertically disposed tower structure, having upper and lower ends, centrally positioned within said circular support wall; said tower structure having a height greater than the height of said circular support wall; a roof structure having upper and lower ends; said roof structure being comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart, curved first roof trusses having upper and lower ends; said lower ends of said first roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said circular support wall; each of said first roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides; said inner sides of said first roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said circular support wall; said outer sides of said first roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said circular support wall; said upper ends of said first roof trusses being secured to said tower structure adjacent said upper end thereof; said outer and inner sides of said first roof trusses being spaced-apart with the spacing therebetween being constant for a majority of the lengths thereof; a ring-shaped second truss secured to said first roof trusses below said upper ends thereof so as to extend therearound; said roof structure also including a plurality of spaced-apart, curved third roof trusses having upper and lower ends; said lower ends of said third roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said circular support wall; each of said third roof trusses being positioned between adjacent second roof trusses; each of said third roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides; said inner sides of said third roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said circular support wall; said outer sides of said third roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said circular support wall; said outer and inner sides of said third roof trusses being spaced-apart with the spacing therebetween being constant for a majority of the lengths thereof; said upper ends of said third roof trusses being secured to said second truss.
 6. A grain storage structure, comprising: an upstanding, circular support wall having upper and lower ends; a vertically disposed tower structure, having upper and lower ends, centrally positioned within said circular support wall; said tower structure having a height greater than the height of said circular support wall; a roof structure having upper and lower ends; said roof structure being comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart, curved first roof trusses having upper and lower ends; said lower ends of said first roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said circular support wall; each of said first roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides; said inner sides of said first roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said circular support wall; said outer sides of said first roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said circular support wall; said upper ends of said first roof trusses being secured to said tower structure adjacent said upper end thereof; said outer and inner sides of said first roof trusses being spaced-apart with the spacing therebetween being constant for a majority of the lengths thereof; said roof structure also including a plurality of spaced-apart, curved second roof trusses having upper and lower ends; said lower ends of said second roof trusses being secured to said upper end of said circular support wall; each of said second roof trusses being positioned between adjacent first roof trusses; each of said second roof trusses having spaced-apart outer and inner sides; said inner sides of said second roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said circular support wall; said outer sides of said second roof trusses extending upwardly and inwardly in a constant unchanged curved arc manner for their entire lengths from said circular support wall; said upper ends of said second roof trusses being operatively interconnected to said first roof trusses below said upper ends of said first roof trusses. 